Buying or selling a home or commercial property in Nevada can be an exciting yet complex process
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Buying or selling a home or commercial property in Nevada can be an exciting yet complex process. With significant financial investments at stake, understanding the state's real estate laws is crucial for both buyers and sellers. From contract requirements to disclosure obligations, Nevada law governs various aspects of real estate transactions to protect all parties involved.
Whether you’re purchasing a home in a master-planned community or selling commercial real estate, working with a Las Vegas real estate lawyer ensures compliance with state laws and helps prevent costly disputes. Below, we outline the key Nevada real estate laws every buyer and seller should know.
In Nevada, real estate contracts must be written agreements to be legally enforceable, as required by the Statute of Frauds (NRS 111.205). This means verbal agreements regarding the purchase or sale of real property are not valid in court. A legally binding contract must include:
Names of the parties involved (buyer and seller)
Property description (address and legal description)
Purchase price and payment terms
Contingencies (e.g., financing approval, home inspections)
Signatures of all parties
A Las Vegas real estate lawyer can help ensure that contracts are properly drafted, reviewed, and negotiated to protect your interests.
Sellers in Nevada must provide buyers with a Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Form (NRS 113.130) before completing the sale. This form requires sellers to disclose known defects that could impact the property’s value, including:
Roof leaks or structural issues
Plumbing or electrical problems
Past flooding or water damage
Environmental hazards (asbestos, mold, etc.)
Failing to provide accurate disclosures can result in legal action from the buyer, including rescission of the sale or financial damages. Consulting a Las Vegas real estate lawyer can help sellers meet their disclosure obligations and avoid future liability.
Buyers in Nevada often provide an earnest money deposit to demonstrate their commitment to purchasing the property. This deposit is usually held in an escrow account and is applied toward the purchase price at closing. However, buyers may risk losing their deposit if they back out of the deal without a valid contractual reason.
Common contingencies that allow buyers to recover their deposit include:
The home inspection reveals major issues
The buyer is unable to secure financing
The property does not appraise for the agreed price
Nevada law allows buyers to cancel a real estate contract within five business days of receiving the Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Form (NRS 113.150). A Las Vegas real estate lawyer can help buyers understand their rights and ensure that contingencies are clearly outlined in the purchase agreement.
Real estate fraud is a serious concern in Nevada. Sellers and real estate agents must provide truthful information about a property. Under NRS 205.372, fraudulent real estate transactions can lead to criminal and civil penalties, including lawsuits for misrepresentation or non-disclosure.
Common examples of real estate fraud include:
Concealing material defects in the property
Falsifying financial documents for a mortgage
Misrepresenting zoning laws or property use restrictions
Buyers who suspect fraud can seek legal remedies such as rescission of the contract or monetary damages. A Las Vegas real estate lawyer can help investigate fraudulent transactions and represent clients in real estate litigation.
The closing process in Nevada typically involves several legal steps to transfer property ownership. Key elements include:
Title search: Ensuring there are no liens or ownership disputes
Final walk-through: Allowing the buyer to inspect the property before closing
Escrow process: Managing funds and paperwork through a neutral third party
Signing closing documents: Officially transferring ownership to the buyer
Nevada requires real estate transactions to be recorded with the county recorder’s office (NRS 247.110) to confirm ownership rights. Buyers should obtain title insurance to protect against claims from past owners, liens, or recording errors.
A Las Vegas real estate lawyer can assist buyers and sellers throughout the closing process, ensuring all legal documents are properly executed and recorded.
Many properties in Las Vegas are subject to homeowners' association (HOA) rules. Buyers purchasing in an HOA community must receive a Resale Package that includes:
CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions)
Financial statements of the HOA
Pending legal actions involving the HOA
Under NRS 116.4109, buyers have five days to review HOA documents and cancel the purchase contract if they disagree with the terms. A Las Vegas real estate lawyer can review HOA agreements to ensure compliance and protect buyer rights.
If you're purchasing rental property, it's important to understand Nevada landlord-tenant laws (NRS Chapter 118A). Key legal aspects include:
Security deposits: Cannot exceed three months’ rent and must be returned within 30 days of move-out
Evictions: Landlords must provide proper notice before evicting a tenant (e.g., 7-day notice for nonpayment of rent)
Habitability requirements: Landlords must maintain safe and livable conditions
A Las Vegas real estate lawyer can help landlords draft legally sound leases, handle tenant disputes, and ensure eviction proceedings comply with Nevada law.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or dealing with a contract dispute, real estate transactions involve complex legal considerations. Working with a Las Vegas real estate lawyer helps ensure compliance with Nevada laws, reduces risks, and provides legal protection in case of disputes.
At Baker Law Group, we assist buyers, sellers, and investors in navigating Nevada real estate laws with confidence. From contract negotiations to title disputes, our experienced legal team is here to protect your real estate interests.
If you’re involved in a real estate transaction in Nevada, Baker Law Group can provide the legal guidance you need. Our firm is committed to legal accuracy and client satisfaction, helping buyers and sellers avoid costly mistakes.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Las Vegas real estate lawyer and ensure your transaction is legally sound from start to finish.
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